Jay Bruce named nominee for 2013 Hank Aaron Award

Jay Bruce has been named the Cincinnati Reds' nominee for the 2013 Hank Aaron Award. The award recognizes the most outstanding offense performers in each league.

Major League Baseball and MLB made the announcement on Monday.

Fans can vote exclusively online at MLB.com and the 30 Club sites. For the fourth straight year, a special panel of Hall of Fame players led by Hank Aaron will join fans in voting for the award, which is officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball and has recognized the most outstanding offensive performer in each League since it was established in 1999.

Bruce was the only player in the Major Leagues in 2013 with at least 43 doubles, 30 home runs and 109 RBI. He ranked among the National League Top 10 in HR (3rd), RBI (T2nd), total bases (4th), doubles (T3rd), extra-base hits (2nd) and outfield assists (13, T3rd) while leading all Major League right fielders in HR, RBI, doubles and extra-base hits.

Over the last 3 seasons Bruce produced 105 doubles and 96 homers, numbers matched only by Detroit's Miguel Cabrera. Bruce's 208 RBI the last 2 seasons lead all National League batters and tie for sixth-most in the Major Leagues. He is 1 of only 15 players in Major League history to produce at least 20 HR in each of his first 6 seasons and is only the sixth player in Reds history to produce 30 home runs in 3 straight.

The Hall of Fame panel led by Aaron includes some of the greatest offensive players of all-time –Roberto Alomar, Johnny Bench, Tony Gwynn, Paul Molitor, Eddie Murray and Robin Yount. These Hall of Famers – who combined for 17,629 hits, 8,278 RBI and 1,723 home runs – have all been personally selected by Hank Aaron to lend their expertise to select the best offensive performer in each League.

Through October 10, fans will have the opportunity to select one American League and one National League winner from a list comprising of one finalist per Club. The winners of the 2013 Hank Aaron Award will be announced during the 2013 World Series.